In a move set to redefine the future of remote sensing and critical infrastructure protection, California-based Birdstop has successfully secured $2.3 million in funding. The capital injection will fuel the expansion of Birdstop’s constellation of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drones, fortify its AI capabilities, and bolster data-driven offerings to its clientele. The funding round led by Lerer Hippeau, witnessed participation from esteemed investors including Anorak Ventures, Correlation Ventures, Data Tech Fund, Graph Ventures, Techstars, Timberline Holdings, as well as strategic stakeholders from the energy and telecommunications sectors.
From its NASA-style mission control center nestled in California, Birdstop orchestrates a network of drones across the nation, resembling a constellation of ground-based satellites. Distinguished by patented technology, Birdstop employs an array of risk mitigation measures, including a proprietary low altitude airspace deconfliction system. This ensures the highest echelons of safety, even when the operator is separated by thousands of miles. Birdstop has secured prestigious approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for complex BVLOS operations, underlining its commitment to safety and compliance.
Birdstop’s prowess lies in the realm of analyzing and safeguarding critical national infrastructure such as power grids and telecommunications networks. Beyond routine monitoring, Birdstop’s remote sensing capabilities are swiftly deployed during critical junctures, ranging from natural disasters to security breaches. The scope of Birdstop’s coverage is already in effect across states like Alabama, California, and Texas, rendering real-time intelligence to clients managing public and private sector assets. Moreover, beyond infrastructure, over 20 diverse industries, spanning agriculture, construction, and emergency response, harness Birdstop’s coverage to elevate situational awareness and real-time insights.
The inauguration of a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Alabama signals Birdstop’s ambition to amplify production of its systems, commencing with the rollout of its airspace intelligence beacon.
Birdstop’s visionary journey is masterminded by CEO Keith Miao, a former Google data scientist and Earth Institute satellite imagery analyst. The leadership ranks are further fortified by the presence of Head of Software Jatin Kolekar, a stalwart in drone technology; Software Engineer Robert Reynoso, who commanded a global network of Internet balloons at Google Loon; and Principal R&D Engineer Timothy McPhail, who wielded drone imaging to manage cellular infrastructure at American Tower.
Keith Miao, CEO of Birdstop, encapsulates the company’s ethos, stating, “We all use Google Maps, but few of us have seen a physical satellite. At Birdstop, we take the same approach for drones. Our customers receive data and intel, but the drones remain invisible to them. We alleviate the intricacies of drones, robotics, and FAA regulations, allowing users to seamlessly access their assets in real-time, on-demand.”
Andrea Hippeau, Partner at Lerer Hippeau, lauds Birdstop’s pioneering strides, emphasizing, “Developments in drone technology and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulation over the past decade are allowing Birdstop’s vision to be realized for the first time. Birdstop’s ability to generate real-time intel remotely is a huge step forward for the industry.”
Birdstop’s ascent marks a pivotal leap toward an era where technology converges with infrastructure protection, engendering a safer and more resilient future.
